Orders

Seisonkaku Villa

Name: Seisonkaku Villa
Address: 1-2 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (200)・Historical Landmark・Tourist Attraction・Historical Place・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Seisonkaku Villa, nestled in Kanazawa, is a striking example of the cultural and architectural sophistication of the Edo period. Built in 1863 by Maeda Nariyasu for his mother, the villa is a testament to the Maeda clan's wealth and influence, which was second only to the shogunate in power during that era.

The villa's architecture and interiors are masterpieces of traditional Japanese design, featuring an array of vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship. The use of natural light and space in Seisonkaku is particularly noteworthy, with rooms arranged to offer views of the changing seasons in the garden, enhancing the sense of harmony between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Inside, Seisonkaku is adorned with rare woods and luxurious lacquers, and each room has a unique theme and color scheme that reflects the changing seasons or specific artistic motifs. The "Blue Room," for instance, is renowned for its calming blue hues and elegant iris paintings, while other rooms display delicate pine motifs and vibrant floral designs.

The villa also boasts a beautifully maintained garden, a typical feature of samurai residences, designed to provide a serene and contemplative space for its occupants.

Hours:

9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM)

Closed:

Closed on Wednesdays

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

General/University students: 700 yen

High school and junior high school students: 300 yen

Elementary school student: 250 yen

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: Closed

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 76-221-0580

Website

www.seisonkaku.com

The area

Address

1-2 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan

Top ways to experience Seisonkaku Villa

8hrs

Kanazawa Full-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $361 /person

4hrs

Kanazawa Half-Day Private Walking Tour With a Local Guide

From $196 /person

8hrs

1 Day Trip All Around Kanazawa City

From $401 /person

What other travelers are saying about Seisonkaku Villa

Hidden within Kenrokuen is this villa that used to belong to the Maeda clan. The downstairs rooms all have exhibits with plenty of English explanatory information. Exhibits include many everyday items including toys and dolls. An interesting feature is the sliding doors which all have special decorations that enumerate the order in which the doors should be placed. Upstairs has fewer exhibits, but there's an interesting doll which is said to have protective powers. It's a pity no photos are allowed in the house except for the garden.

Chung H

May 22, 2025

Nice little temple to see next to the more impressive gardens next door.

Jordan Simons

Jun 8, 2025

Not worth 1000 yen for a ticket! Yes, there are drawings on wooden panels at the bottom, covered with glass, and opposite some there are display cases. And so almost nothing can be seen (the glass reflects, the drawings are old), and then you have to climb under the display case. The only thing that impressed me was the carving in the main hall, it is also depicted on the advertising poster. The blue room also did not impress me much. It says where the paint is from and what? Is it from the time of decoration, or has it already been repainted? They could have created scenes from the same dolls, so that it would be clearer who is where, what is doing. For comparison - a museum in an old pharmacy building on "samurai street" is 100 yen. It is filled with even more exhibits than here. I understand why they do not allow taking photos - most will see that there is nothing to see for that amount and will not go.

S Sv

Feb 28, 2025

The most gorgeous traditional Japanese house with fancy decorations and goods resided by Maeda family. It has a lot of different architectural styles and materials which makes the house unique. Photos are only allowed in the gardens. Admission is 700 yen, a bit expensive for the size and exhibition if you don’t really know the history, but worth visiting when you come to Kanazawa for the first time.

Wakana Komatsu Kodo

Nov 6, 2020

Don’t miss this house when touring Kenroken! Very cool historical residence with large collection of traditional Hina dolls. Worth the extra admission fee. Despite going on a weekend, the house was not overly crowded.